The enthralling production values and fresh approach to the storytelling gave the new Ramayan an appeal that entertained and delighted viewers across all age groups. Grand sets had been erected at Sagar film city, Vadodara to depict key areas in the kingdom of Ayodhya, the birth place of Lord Ram. This new version has the advantage of being produced in times of huge technical advancements which greatly enhanced the story telling in a compelling new way.

The Sagar family, which scored television’s biggest triumph in the Eighties with the classic blockbuster Ramayan, took you back to the story of Shri Ram in this all new spectacular magnum opus television serial. The Ramayan came with a fresh screenplay, dialogue, sets, music and cast since it now had visual special effects and technical finesse at the disposal of the makers. Their ultra-modern post-production studios embellished the new production with skillful special effects.

Painstaking research of the period yielded rare information that was creatively harnessed to give authenticity to the sets and costumes. Ramayan is a tale for every generation. It is multi-layered, multi-faceted, multi-dimensional... and this brand new daily version of the timeless classic has been interpreted to cater to the taste of a shining modern India. Television is all about great stories well told, and for us, Ramayan is India’s greatest story ever and we wished to re-tell it in a compelling, entertaining manner.

This evergreen epic saga of Lord Shri Ram undertaken by the next generation of Sagars promises to take this magnum opus to greater heights. The launching of this serial was a grand event as NDTV imagine as a channel was launched simultaneously.

The “RAMAYAN’ narrates the life and times of Shri Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ramayan says the saga of Lord Rama’s incarnation. The Gods pray to Lord Vishnu for King Dashrath’s yagya to be blessed by a son. Rama is born, his childhood and fundamental education is imparted in Gurukul. After completion of education, Rama returns to Ayodhya. Rama accompanies Vishwamitra and slays Tadaka. Vishwamitra bestows divine weapons on to Him and Rama and Lakshman proceed to Mithila. In Sita Swayamvar Rama breaks the Shiva Dhanush and Sita garlands Rama, after which Janak sends the message to Dashrath and the four brothers are married to the four daughters of Janak and his brother.

The four daughter-in–laws are welcomed in Ayodhya. King Dashrath decides to appoint Rama as his heir. Manthara provokes Kaikayee and she asks for two promises from Dashrath. Bharat is hailed as the future king and Rama is sent in exile to the forest for fourteen years. Dashrath relents for his promise. Sita and Lakshman also accompany Him and Shri Rama and Lakshman go to Valmiki’s ashram, build a hut in Chitrakoot and stay there.

Dashrath dies. Bharat develops a hatred for his mother Kaikeyee and he decides to crown Shri Rama in the forest and return with him. Bharat arrives In the forest. Bharat returns to Ayodhya with Rama’s paduka and installs it on the throne of Ayodhya. Rama, Lakshman and Sita are living in Panchvati (present day Nasik, Maharastra).

Ravan kidnaps Sita and in the forest. Rama and Sugriv become friends. Hanuman recognizes Rama and Bali is killed by Rama. Sita is in Ashok Vatika. Hanuman appears in front of her and ravages Ashok Vatika. He returns after meeting Sita and conveys her message to Rama. Shri Rama wonders how to cross the sea. Nal and Neel with the help of others construct a bridge and Rama crosses the bridge along with the Vaanar sena. A fierce battle is fought between Rama and Ravan and Shri Rama kills Ravan with the Brahmastra. Shri Rama along with others leaves in the Pushpak Viman and Ayodhya rejoices.

Year of telecast: Ramayan was telecasted since 21st January, 2008 on NDTV imagine. The channel NDTV Imagine also was launched with the launch of this serial.

Direction and casting: Ramayan was directed by Anand Sagar and co-produced by Prem Sagar, Shiv Sagar during their time in Sagar Arts.

The characters in Ramayan were essayed by a new generation of actors – Gurmeet Choudhary played the lead of Lord Ram, while Debina Bonnerjee played Sita. The 3 key characters - Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughan were played by Ankit Arora, Vije Bhatia and Lalit Negi respectively. Some of the country’s best talent is associated with the show: The music of Ramayan was composed by Ravindra Jain. The extravagant sets were designed by renowned art director Omang Kumar. Kavita Krishnamurthy and Suresh Wadekar lent their voices for the title track.

Awards: Ramayan received three awards at the Gold Awards 2008: The award for:

Best Art Direction (Omang)
Best Music (Ravindra Jain)
Best Costumes (Nisha Sagar).

Audience Reaction: The show had an average opening with a rating of 1.8 TVR in the premiere day and overall 1.5 TVR in its opening week and in a month peaked 3.19 TVR. Within three months, it became one of the most watched Hindi GEC garnering 5.2 TVR, increasing the viewership of the channel to third position after Star Plus and Zee TV. In May 2008, it averaged 1.60 TVR before which it peaked with 3.9 TVR in March 2008.